Heat sign 'Birdman', re-sign Varnado to 10-day deals

January 20, 2013|By Ira Winderman, South Florida Sun Sentinel

MIAMI — The Miami Heat's search for rebounding and size has led to one new face and the return of a prospect.

Returning to practice Sunday at AmericanAirlines Arena for the first time since their rebounding issues again were exposed on their just-completed six-game trip, the Heat shook up their power rotation by signing veteran center Chris Andersen and re-signing rookie power forward Jarvis Varnado.

Because of the moves, center Josh Harrellson was not retained after his 10-day contract expired. Also, the Heat announced that center Dexter Pittman again has been recalled from the NBA Development League.

The focus Sunday, though, was on Andersen.

"It's a great fit for me," Andersen said of being called in to provide rebounding and defense. "It's what I do."

Andersen, known for his colorful tattoos, Mohawk haircut and headband summed up his personality after Sunday's workout.

"Let's say I'm a colorful guy," he said. He added, "I'm a good-old country boy that likes to get the job done."

Asked what he would bring to the Heat, he said, "The usual that a Birdman does and what Birdman brings."

Among the reasons Andersen, 34, had remained unsigned was an uneven NBA tenure that has included being banned by the league for two years in 2006 for violating the league's substance abuse program. Then, in May, Denver news outlets reported that Andersen's home was the target of an investigation of a suspected internet case by the Douglas County Sheriff's Office Internet Crimes Against Children Unit. No charges have been filed, with his representatives classifying it as an extortion attempt by a woman portraying herself of being of legal age.

"There has been an investigation and I have cooperated fully with the authorities in Denver,'' Andersen said, declining to take questions on the issue. ''I am not the target of the investigation and no arrests have been made and no charges have been filed against me. I'm grateful for this opportunity that the Miami Heat has given me.''

What he is is a potential answer to the Heat's greatest needs.

''Typically, you're not able to get a player of his caliber at this time of year,'' coach Erik Spoelstra said. ''But three years ago he was the best in the game coming off the bench at his position, as a shot-blocker and a rebounder.

"We've always liked him. We had him in our camp a long time ago, when he was just coming up in this league, pre-tattoo, and we liked him back then. Ever since then we've searched for ways to get him back.''

Andersen said he had a minor procedure on his left knee in August but now is fully healthy.

''That ain't gonna keep the Birdman from flying and getting in there and getting some rebounds and banging and playing hard,'' he said. ''As you can see, I'm pretty much accustomed to pain. But it's not going to stop me from coming out here and assisting these champions and trying to help them win another championship.''

If there is an issue, it could be conditioning.

"It's been nine months since I've been on the floor," he said. "I'm just overwhelmed to be here. They're taking a chance with me and I'm here to give them everything I've got."

Andersen and Varnado were signed to 10-day contracts. Players can be signed to up to two 10-day contracts, before they either must be signed for the balance of the season or released.

It is the first 10-day contract signed with the team by Andersen and the second by Varnado, a former Heat second-round pick.

"We like the fabric of who they are," Spoelstra said. "They just fit what we do."

While Harrellson became the odd man out with Andersen and Varnado signed, Spoelstra indicated that the 3-point-shooting big man could yet return for a third Heat tenure this season.

"A very tough decision, a very tough decision," he said of Harrellson not being re-signed. "That might not be the end of his future with us."

Sunday, though, was about embracing the energy that Andersen could provide.

"The first day of practice you could see he fits in very good with what we do," Spoelstra said. "He has a lean body; he has a live body.

"We just want him to be relaxed and be who he is. He fits in very seamlessly. His skill set fits the style of basketball we play."

He was embraced by his new teammates.

"It's a great addition," guard Dwyane Wade said of a teammate who doesn't require a role in the offense. "He's the kind of guy you look at and you respect.

"You always looked at him and said, 'That's a guy you would love to have on your roster.' He wears his personality on his sleeve."

Andersen arrived saying his motto is "block and roll."

Said LeBron James, "We love guys with chips, who feel they have something to prove."